Just connect the Mac to the router, using an ethernet cable as the wireless option is a little expensive for that machine(besides that, it is faster), and the remainder of the computers can continue to access the internet via the wireless side of the router.
The Mac will NOT be sharing its internet connection with anyone because you are using a router. Each machine has its own dedicated line into the router, whether it be ethernet cable or Wireless.
You are right about the router, it does act as a firewall against some stuff.
Once the Mac is in place and working, all you need to do is allow access from, and to, the PC's. They are already networked to the Mac, and each other, by virtue of the Router.
Your experience with a Mac sounds very pre-OS X, a lot has changed since then. Mac sure you have at least OS X 10.3.9, preferably 10.4.x. Feed some more RAM into that G4 and enjoy.
Let us know how you get on
P
I am fed up w/spending too much time & money fixing computers (home only and inlaws) just to put $100 in software and it does it again. sftwre doesn't work but caused problems.
i am thinking of getting a mac, quicksilver, and using it to access the internet, mp3 downloads, digital camera stuff and linking the pc laptop and pc to the mac, so my husband can still use his laptop (haven't had problems with the laptop...maybe my problems are coming thru em?) and i can still do the taxes.
does this sound plausible?
can I network them? i have a wireless router which has helped in keeping crap out?
you advice appreciated! used macs in past for years for admin stuff, but understand tech pretty good.
thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

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